Today, July 27th, is National Korean War Veteran Armistice Day (NKWVA Day). It is a day to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice over three long years of war next to soldiers they had never met. It is also a day to “reaffirm our commitment to the security of the Republic of Korea and the values that unite our nations.” To get a better understanding of this day, here are the five W’s – Who, What, When Where and Why – of NKWVA Day and just why it is so important.
Who
NKWVA Day is all about the estimated 1.8 million Americans who fought back against the Communist army through the freezing cold and unbearable heat. They stood side-by-side with other Armed Forces that they had never met but shared the same cause and will to survive while being outnumbered and outgunned. As President Barack Obama stated in his press release last year, “The members of our Armed Forces endured some of the most brutal combat in modern history; many experienced unimaginable torment in POW camps, and nearly 37,000 gave their last full measure of devotion. Their sacrifice pushed invading armies back across the line they had dared to cross and secured a hard-earned victory.”
What
As we have explained, NKWVA Day is a day to remember those who fought against Communism and gave their lives to preserve the security of the Republic of Korea. Today is also a time for the US, as President Obama stated last year, to reaffirm the US’s commitment to providing that security to the Republic of Korea.
When
The Korean War took place from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. It was a long, grueling war fought between the United Nations (the US being the leading force), who came to the aid of South Korea, and the communist North Korea. The war arose from the division of Korea at the end of World War II, along with global tensions of the Cold War that developed immediately afterwards.
Where
The war took place in Korea, which at that time had recently divided to become two different countries.
Why
“No war should ever be forgotten, and no veteran should ever be overlooked. Today, on the anniversary of the Military Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War, let us remember how liberty held its ground in the face of tyranny and how free peoples refused to yield. And most of all, let us give thanks to all those whose service and sacrifice helped to secure the blessings of freedom.”
President Barack Obama
